NBA · Southwest · Est. 1980 · American Airlines Center
Updated March 16, 2026
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving remain one of the most talented backcourts in NBA history, and their chemistry continues to deepen in their second full season together. Dallas's offense is among the league's best when both are on the floor, though Luka's workload management has been a season-long theme. The Mavericks are aiming to get back to the Finals after last year's run.
For all their offensive firepower, the Mavericks continue to struggle on the defensive end, ranking in the bottom half of the league. Finding reliable wing defenders to surround Luka and Kyrie has been an ongoing project. Dallas's postseason ceiling may ultimately be determined by whether the defense can tighten up in a seven-game series.
Luka Doncic's fitness has been a talking point all season, with the superstar guard missing games due to various ailments. When locked in and healthy, he's a top-three player in the world, but the inconsistency in his availability has concerned the organization. The Mavericks need a fully engaged Doncic for the playoff push, and the next few weeks will be telling.